I say "perspective" is because it depends from user to user. Being a Heavy user myself I can’t do without Unlimited Internet but not all users are heavy users. I will try to review Reliance Wi-Max from many point of view.
Plans:
4 Speeds - 600Kbps, 1Mbps. 1.2 Mbps and 2Mbps. All plans are unlimited meaning you can download how much ever you want. But the only catch is its a tad too expensive because if you look at 600Kbps, in no way 1500Rs can be justified for a package like that. Also what is the need for 1.2Mbps when there is already a plan of 1Mbps. Mindboggling to say the least. The plan I am going to review in Detail is 1Mbps and it is 1900Rs+ 10.3 Tax and 500Rs deposit.
Installation:
It took 4 days for the technician to arrive at my place. Wi-Max comes with a Flat Panel Dish antenna and a PoE device to power the antenna with 48v. It just took 5 minutes to set up on the terrace but the installation can only be possible if there is no obstruction between the antenna and the Tower. It operates on a Line of Sight basis meaning you just have to position your antenna in the direction facing the tower. All these gadgets are worth around 7000Rs(I think) but Reliance has a better way to get that money from their customers and that is charging unbelievebly high on their plans.
Quality of Service:
I am a strong advocate of wired connections as there is only minimum fluctuations in line. But having said that. Wi-Max that works on wireless technology seems to deliver as good as a wired connection with little to no fluctuation in line. As agreed, I get 1Mbps download and upload speed. Disconnections are uncommon but maybe on a bad day with bad weather, The connection may suffer fluctuation in Line quality. But most of the time it can be said that it is Reliable. Thing that sometimes make me cringe is, after a load shedding - It takes good 15 minutes for your net connection to actually work and the reason is, your antenna is trying to establish a connection with the tower and that takes time.
Use:
It all depends on your need. If you are only going to use net to check your mails or ocassional downloading or occasional youtube viewing. I would not suggest you buying this. Rather get yourself a wireline connection at a cheaper price. But you are one of those who does a lot of downloading and youtube watching and low speed can be a cause for concern for you. Then you wouldn’t mind paying 2000Rs/month.
Availibility:
One thing I really like about Wi-Max is that in places where you cannot get wireline connection you can setup this. And that it is Unlimited are the only advantages that it has in its favor
Pros:
Unlimited Bandwidth
Good Line quality
Easy set up
Reliable most times
Cons:
Unjustly Expensive
Weather of the day might influence line quality
Need 15 minutes to get connected
Conclusions: Besides it being expensive, I don’t see any major deterrent that should make you vote against Reliance Wi-Max. But like I said, it is one’s choice of perspective. I would only recommend to Mad Heavy users that don’t mind spending a bit extra on a better connection but for the ordinary internet user - neither unlimited nor high speed is going to be of any use. Better get yourself wireline at a speed that suits your needs.
I personally feel all ISPs in India are currently running their plans at bloated prices and it could only be when together these companies try to regulate the market till users become fully aware. The highest possible speed one can get in India as a Home user is 2Mbps and for that one would have to pay around 3000Rs/month on an average and that’s illegal. But people are left with no options so the needy and the helpless are forced to purchase at such high prices. With the arrival of "Hayai Broadband", these current ISP will have a tough time wooing back their customers but who knows they might influence TRAI, thus restricting Hayai or the likes to operate at fair prices. Only time will tell and Let’s Hope.